Lithium metal sulfides as lithium super ionic conductors, solid electrolyte and coating layer for lithium metal battery and lithium-ion battery

ABSTRACT

Solid-state lithium ion electrolytes of lithium metal sulfide based composites are provided which contain an anionic framework capable of conducting lithium ions. Composites of specific formulae are provided and methods to alter the composite materials with inclusion of aliovalent ions shown. Lithium batteries containing the composite lithium ion electrolytes are also provided. Electrodes containing the lithium metal sulfide based materials and batteries with such electrodes are also provided.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

The disclosure herein is a result of joint research effort conducted under a joint research agreement between TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. having an address of 6565 Headquarters Drive W1-3C, Plano, Tex., 75024, and UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK having an address of 2130 Mitchell Bldg. 7999 Regents Dr. College Park, Md., 20742.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure is directed to novel lithium metal sulfide compounds useful as a Li super-ionic conductor, solid electrolytes containing the novel lithium metal sulfide compounds, and an electrode coating layer for a Li metal battery and a Li-ion battery containing the novel lithium metal sulfide compounds.

BACKGROUND

Li-ion batteries have traditionally dominated the market of portable electronic devices. However, conventional Li-ion batteries contain flammable organic solvents as components of the electrolyte and this flammability is the basis of a safety risk which is of concern and could limit or prevent the use of Li-ion batteries for application in large scale energy storage.

Replacing the flammable organic liquid electrolyte with a solid Li-ion conductive phase would alleviate this safety issue, and may provide additional advantages such as improved mechanical and thermal stability. A primary function of the solid Li-ion conductive phase, usually called solid Li-ion conductor or solid state electrolyte, is to conduct Li⁺ ions from the anode side to the cathode side during discharge and from the cathode side to the anode side during charge while blocking the direct transport of electrons between electrodes within the battery.

Moreover, lithium batteries constructed with nonaqueous electrolytes are known to form dendritic lithium metal structures projecting from the anode to the cathode over repeated discharge and charge cycles. If and when such a dendrite structure projects to the cathode and shorts the battery energy is rapidly released and may initiate ignition of the organic solvent of the nonaqueous electrolyte.

Therefore, there is much interest and effort focused on the discovery of new solid Li-ion conducting materials which would lead to an all solid state lithium battery. Studies in the past decades have focused mainly on ionically conducting oxides such as for example, LISICON (Li₁₄ZnGe₄O₁₆), NASICON(Li_(1.3)Al_(0.3)Ti_(1.7)(PO₄)₃), perovskite (for example, La_(0.5)Li_(0.5)TiO₃), garnet (Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂), LiPON (for example, Li_(2.88)PO_(3.73)N_(0.14)) and sulfides, such as, for example, Li₃PS₄, Li₇P₃S₁₁ and LGPS (Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂).

While recent developments have improved the conductivity of solid Li-ion conductor to the level of 1-10 mS/cm, which is comparable to that in liquid phase electrolyte, finding new Li-ion solid state conductors is of great interest to further improve battery performance and safety.

An effective lithium ion solid-state conductor will have a high Li⁺ conductivity at room temperature. Generally, the Li⁺ conductivity should be no less than 10⁻⁶ S/cm. Further, the activation energy of Li⁺ migration in the conductor must be low for use over a range of operation temperatures that might be encountered in the environment. Additionally, the material should have good stability against chemical, electrochemical and thermal degradation. Unlike many conventionally employed non-aqueous solvents, the solid-state conductor material should be stable to electrochemical degradation reactivity with the anode and cathode chemical composition. The material should have low grain boundary resistance for usage in an all solid-state battery. Ideally, the synthesis of the material should be easy and the cost should not be high. Unfortunately, none of the currently known lithium ion solid electrolytes meet all these criteria. For example, Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂ fails to meet the requirement of electrochemical stability and has a high cost due to the presence of Ge, despite its state-of-art Li conductivity. Environmentally stable composite materials having high Li⁺ conductivity and low activation energy would be sought in order to facilitate manufacturing methods and structure of the battery.

The standard redox potential of Li/Li+ is −3.04 V, making lithium metal one of the strongest reducing agents available. Consequently, Li metal can reduce most known cationic species to a lower oxidation state. Because of this strong reducing capability when the lithium metal of an anode contacts a solid-state Li⁺ conductor containing cation components different from lithium ion, the lithium reduces the cation specie to a lower oxidation state and deteriorates the solid-state conductor.

For example, the conductor of formula: Li₃PS₄ contains P⁵⁺ in the formula and is thus a secondary cation to the Li⁺. When in contact with Li metal, reduction according to the following equation occurs (J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 3253-3266). Li₃PS₄+5Li→P+4Li₂S P+3Li→Li₃P

Similarly, Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂ has also been reported to undergo degradation when in contact with lithium metal according to the following equations (J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016,4, 3253-3266): Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂+10Li→2P+8Li₂S+Li₄GeS₄ P+3Li→Li₃P 4Li₄GeS₄+31Li→16Li₂S+Li₁₅Ge₄ Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂ contains Ge⁴⁺ and P⁵⁺ and each is reduced as indicated.

In another example, Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂, which contains secondary cations La³⁺ and Zr⁴⁺ undergoes chemical degradation when in contact with lithium metal according to the following chemistry (J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016,4, 3253-3266): 6Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂+40Li→4Zr₃O+41Li₂O+9La₂O₃ Zr₃O+2Li→Li₂O+3Zr La₂O₃+6Li→2La+3Li₂O

Thus, many current conventionally known solid Li-ion conductors suffer a stability issue when in contact with a Li metal anode.

The inventors of this application have been studying lithium compounds which may serve for future use of solid-state Li⁺ conductors and previous results of this study are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/626,696, filed Jun. 19, 2017, U.S. Ser. No. 15/805,672, filed Nov. 7, 2017, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/013,495, filed Jun. 20, 2018, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/114,946 filed Aug. 28, 2018, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/142,217 filed Sep. 26, 2018, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/144,157 filed Sep. 27, 2018, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/153,335 filed Oct. 10, 2018 and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/155,349 filed Oct. 9, 2018. However, research effort continues to discover additional materials having maximum efficiency, high stability, low cost and ease of handling and manufacture.

Accordingly, an object of this application is to identify a range of further materials having high Li ion conductivity while being poor electron conductors which are suitable as a solid state electrolyte for a lithium ion battery and/or suitable as a protective coating layer for or component of an electrode active material.

A further object of this application is to provide a solid state lithium ion battery and/or Lithium metal battery containing a solid state Li ion electrolyte membrane and/or electrode containing the material.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

These and other objects are provided by the embodiments of the present application, the first embodiment of which includes a solid-state lithium ion electrolyte, comprising: at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V): Li_(y)(M1)_(x1)InSiS₆  (I)

wherein x1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M1 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)In_(2-x2)(M2)_(x2)SiS₆  (II)

wherein

x2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that the formula (II) is charge neutral, and M2 is at least one element different from In selected from elements of groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17; Li_(y)In₂Si_(1-x3)(M3)_(x3)S₆  (III) wherein x3 is from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that the formula (III) is charge neutral, and M3 is at least one element different from Si selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)In₂SiS_(6-x4)(X)_(x4)  (IV) wherein x4 is from greater than 0 to less than 6, y is a value such that the formula (IV) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₂In₂SiS₆  (V).

In an aspect of the first embodiment a lithium ion (Li⁺) conductivity of the solid state lithium ion electrolyte of formulae (I)-(V) is from 10⁻² to 10 mS/cm at 300K.

In another aspect of the first embodiment an activation energy of the compounds of formulae (I)-(V) is from 0.27 to 0.37 eV.

In a second embodiment, the present disclosure includes a solid-state lithium ion electrolyte, comprising: at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X): Li_(y)(M4)_(z1)MnGe₂S₇  (VI)

wherein z1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 4, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M4 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)Mn_(1-z2)(M⁵)_(z2)Ge₂S₇  (VII)

wherein z2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M5 is at least one element different from Mn selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)MnGe_(2-z3)(M6)_(z3)S₇  (VIII)

wherein z3 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M6 is at least one element different from Ge selected from elements of groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17; Li_(y)MnGe₂S_(7-z4)(X)_(z4)  (IX)

wherein z4 is from greater than 0 to less than 7, y is a value such that the formula (IX) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₄MnGe₂S₇  (X).

In an aspect of the first embodiment a lithium ion (Li³⁰) conductivity of the solid state lithium ion electrolyte of formulae (VI)-(X) is from 10⁻² to 10.0 mS/cm at 300K.

In another aspect of the first embodiment an activation energy of the compounds of formulae (VI)-(X) is from 0.24 to 0.38 eV.

In a third embodiment a solid state lithium battery is included. The solid state lithium battery comprises: an anode; a cathode; and a solid state lithium ion electrolyte located between the anode and the cathode; wherein the solid state lithium ion electrolyte comprises at least one material according to the first and second embodiments and aspects thereof.

In special aspects of the third embodiment, the solid state lithium battery may be a lithium metal battery or a lithium ion battery.

In a fourth embodiment, an electrode having a current collector, an electrode active material and a coating layer of a material according to any of formulae (I)-(X) as described in the previous embodiments and aspects thereof is provided.

In a fifth embodiment, an electrode having a current collector, an active layer comprising an electrode active material and a material according to any of formulae (I)-(X) as described in the previous embodiments and aspects thereof is provided.

In a sixth embodiment, a lithium battery containing any of the solid state electrolytes and/or electrodes of the previous embodiments is included.

The foregoing description is intended to provide a general introduction and summary of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in its disclosure unless otherwise explicitly stated. The presently preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the crystal structure of Li₂In₂SiS₆.

FIG. 2 shows a calculated XRD analysis for Li₂In₂SiS₆ obtained based on Cu-α radiation with wavelength of 1.54184 Å.

FIG. 3 shows a Table listing the major peaks and relative intensities for the XRD analysis of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows shows an Arrhenius plot of Li⁺ diffusivity (D) in Li₂In₂SiS₆.

FIG. 5 shows the crystal structure of Li₄MnGe₂S₇.

FIG. 6 shows a calculated XRD analysis for Li₄MnGe₂S₇ obtained based on Cu-Kα radiation with wavelength of 1.54184 Å.

FIG. 7 shows a Table listing the major peaks and relative intensities for the XRD analysis of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows shows an Arrhenius plot of Li⁺ diffusivity (D) in Li₄MnGe₂S₇.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Throughout this description, the terms “electrochemical cell” and “battery” may be employed interchangeably unless the context of the description clearly distinguishes an electrochemical cell from a battery. Further the terms “solid-state electrolyte” and “solid-state ion conductor” may be employed interchangeably unless explicitly specified differently.

In the chemical formulae provided the term “less than” indicates less than the full value of the number stated. Thus, “less than” may mean a value up to 0.9 of the expressed number. For example, if the number indicated is 3, a number less than 3 may be 2.7. The term greater than 0 may mean a positive amount being present, such amount may be as little as 0.01.

Structural characteristics of effective Li⁺ conducting crystal lattices have been described by Ceder et al. (Nature Materials, 14, 2015, 1026-1031) in regard to known Li⁺ ion conductors Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂ and Li₇P₃S₁₁, where the sulfur sublattice of both materials was shown to very closely match a bcc lattice structure. Further, Li⁺ ion hopping across adjacent tetrahedral coordinated Li⁺ lattice sites was indicated to offer a path of lowest activation energy.

The inventors are conducting ongoing investigations of new lithium composite compounds in order to identify materials having the properties which may serve as solid-state electrolytes in solid state lithium batteries. In the course of this ongoing study and effort the inventors have developed and implemented a methodology to identify composite materials which have chemical and structural properties which have been determined by the inventors as indicators of lithium ion conductance suitable to be a solid state electrolyte for a lithium-ion battery.

To qualify as solid state electrolyte in practical applications, the material must meet several certain criteria. First, it should exhibit desirable Li-ion conductivity, usually no less than 10⁻⁶ S/cm at room temperature. Second, the material should have good stability against chemical, electrochemical and thermal degradation. Third, the material should have low grain boundary resistance for usage in all solid-state battery. Fourth, the synthesis of the material should be easy and the cost should not be high.

A criterion of this methodology requires that to qualify as solid state electrolyte in practical application, the material must exhibit desirable Li-ion conductivity, usually no less than 10⁻⁶ S/cm at room temperature. Thus, ab initio molecular dynamics simulation studies were applied to calculate the diffusivity of Li ion in the lattice structures of selected lithium metal sulfide materials. In order to accelerate the simulation, the calculation was performed at high temperatures and the effect of excess Li or Li vacancy was considered. In order to create excess Li or Li vacancy, aliovalent replacement of cation or anions may be evaluated. Thus, Li vacancy was created by, for example, partially substituting Si with aliovalent cationic species while compensating the charge neutrality with Li vacancy or excess Li. For example, replacing 50% of Si in Li₁₀Si₂PbO₁₀ with P results in the formation of Li₉PSiPbO₁₀.

The diffusivity at 300 K was determined according to equation (I) D=D ₀ exp(−E _(a) /k _(b) T)  equation (I) where D₀, E_(a) and k_(b) are the pre-exponential factor, activation energy and Boltzmann constant, respectively. The conductivity is related with the calculated diffusivity according to equation (II): σ=D ₃₀₀ ρe ² /k _(b) T  equation (II) where ρ is the volumetric density of Li ion and e is the unit charge.

The anionic lattice of Li-ion conductors has been shown to match certain lattice types (see Nature Materials, 14, 2015, 2016). Therefore, in the anionic lattice of the potential Li⁺ ion conductor is compared to the anionic lattice of Li⁺ ion conductor known to have high conductivity.

Thus, selected lithium metal sulfide compounds were compared to Li-containing compounds reported in the inorganic crystal structure database (FIZ Karlsruhe ICSD—https://icsd.fiz-karlsruhe.de) and evaluated in comparison according to an anionic lattice matching method developed by the inventors for this purpose and described in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/597,651, filed May 17, 2017, to match the lattice of these compounds to known Li-ion conductors.

Elements suitable for aliovalent substitution may be selected by an ionic substitution probability determined by the method as described by Hautier et al. (Inorg. Chem. 2011, 50, 656-663) wherein candidate dopants may be selected by an ionic substitution probabilistic model, constructed upon data mining of all known inorganic crystal materials. Dopants which could potentially create vacancies or interstitials within the particular materials were included. The structures with dopants that were not energetically favorable would be screened and excluded during phase stability calculations. The configurations of the sublattices, dopants, and vacancies or interstitials were determined by the computation methods described herein. Such methods have been described for example, in the following reports:

Bai et al., ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2018, 1, 1626-1634; and

He et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015. 17, 18035.

According to the anionic lattice matching method described in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/597,651, an atomic coordinate set for the compound lattice structure may be converted to a coordinate set for only the anion lattice. The anions of the lattice are substituted with the anion of the comparison material and the obtained unit cell resealed. The x-ray diffraction data for modified anion-only lattice may be simulated and an n×2 matrix generated from the simulated diffraction data. Quantitative structural similarity values can be derived from the n×2 matrices.

The purpose of anionic lattice matching is to further identify compounds with greatest potential to exhibit high Li⁺ conductivity. From this work, the compounds described in the embodiments which follow were determined to be potentially suitable as solid-state Li⁺ conductors.

Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation was then applied to predict the conductivity of the targeted lithium metal sulfides. The initial structures were statically relaxed and were set to an initial temperature of 100 K. The structures were then heated to targeted temperatures (600-1200 K) at a constant rate by velocity scaling over a time period of 2 ps. The total time of AIMD simulations were in the range of 200 to 400 ps. The calculated diffusivity as a function of temperature is shown in FIG. 4 for Li₂In₂SiS₆ and in FIG. 8 for Li₄MnGe₂S₇. In each material the Li⁺ diffusivity at different temperatures from 600-1200 K follows an Arrhenius-type relationship.

Applying equation (1) above the diffusivity at 300 K was determined and then the conductivity may be determined using the link between conductivity and diffusivity of equation (II). Table 1 shows the activation energy and room temperature conductivity determined for Li₂In₂SiS₆ and Li₄MnGe₂S₇. Appropriate doping of these materials thus provides materials suitable as solid state electrolyte and Li ion conductors according to the present disclosure.

Elements suitable for aliovalent substitution may be selected by an ionic substitution probability determined by the method as described by Hautier et al. (Inorg. Chem. 2011, 50, 656-663) wherein candidate dopants may be selected by an ionic substitution probabilistic model, constructed upon data mining of all known inorganic crystal materials. Dopants which could potentially create vacancies or interstitials within the particular materials were included. The structures with dopants that were not energetically favorable would be screened and excluded during phase stability calculations. The configurations of the sublattices, dopants, and vacancies or interstitials were determined by the computation methods described herein. Such methods have been described for example, in the following reports:

Bai et al., ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2018, 1, 1626-1634; and

He et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015. 17, 18035.

TABLE 1 Activation energy and room temperature conductivity of Li₂In₂SiS₆ and Li₄MnGe₂S₇ from AIMD simulations. σ (mS/cm) at composition E_(a) (eV) 300K Li₂In₂SiS₆ 0.32 0.53 Li₄MnGe₂S₇ 0.31 1.16

Accordingly, in one embodiment the present disclosure provides a solid-state lithium ion electrolyte, comprising: at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV): Li_(y)(M1)_(x1)InSiS₆  (I)

wherein x1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M1 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal, preferably a group 1 or 2 element and most preferably Na or K; Li_(y)In_(2-x2)(M2)_(x2)SiS₆  (II)

wherein

x2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that the formula (II) is charge neutral, and M2 is at least one element different from In selected from elements of groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17 preferably an element from groups 3-14 and most preferably from groups 12-13; Li_(y)In₂Si_(1-x3)(M3)_(x3)S₆  (III) wherein x3 is from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that the formula (III) is charge neutral, and M3 is at least one element different from Si selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16, preferably elements of groups 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 15 and most preferably groups 14-15; Li_(y)In₂SiS_(6-x4)(X)_(x4)  (IV)

wherein x4 is from greater than 0 to less than 6, y is a value such that the formula (IV) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17, preferably group 16.

The compounds of formulae (I) to (IV) are doped materials of the compound of formula (V): Li₂In₂SiS₆  (V) wherein at least one of Li, In, Si and S are aliovalently replaced as described above. The crystal structure of Li₂In₂SiS₆ is shown in FIG. 1. The compound of formula (V) and the composites of formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV) comprise a crystal lattice having a monoclinic structure. A calculated X-ray diffraction analysis obtained based on Cu-Kα radiation with wavelength of 1.54184 Å for Li₂In₂SiS₆ is shown in FIG. 2 and a Table showing the major peak positions (2θ) is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows shows an Arrhenius plot of Li⁺ diffusivity (D) in Li₂In₂SiS₆.

The inventors have learned that the resulting doped materials according to formulae (I) to (IV) retain the crystal structure of the base compound (V) and have activation energies and conductivity related to the base compound of formula (V). Based on the measurement methods described above the lithium ion (Li⁺) conductivity of the composite materials of formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV) may be from 0.01 to 10 mS/cm at 300K, preferably from 0.1 to 10.0 mS/cm at 300K and most preferably from 1.0 to 10 mS/cm at 300K. The activation energy of the materials of formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV) may be from 0.27 eV to 0.37 eV, preferably from 0.27 eV to 0.30 eV. The materials of formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV) also comprise a crystal lattice having a monoclinic structure.

In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides a solid-state lithium ion electrolyte, comprising: at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X): Li_(y)(M4)_(z1)MnGe₂S₇  (VI)

wherein z1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 4, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M4 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal, preferably a group 1 or 2 element and most preferably Na or K; Li_(y)Mn_(1-z2)(M5)_(z2)Ge₂S₇  (VII)

wherein z2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M5 is at least one element different from Mn selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16, preferably an element from groups 3-12, 14 and 15 and most preferably from groups 10-12 and 14-15; Li_(y)MnGe_(2-z3)(M6)_(z3)S₇  (VIII)

wherein z3 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M6 is at least one element different from Ge selected from elements of groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17, preferably elements of groups 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 and most preferably groups 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17; Li_(y)MnGe₂S_(7-z4)(X)_(z4)  (IX)

wherein z4 is from greater than 0 to less than 7, y is a value such that the formula (IX) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17, preferably group 16.

The compounds of formulae (VI) to (IX) are doped materials of the compound of formula (X): Li₄MnGe₂S₇  (X) wherein at least one of Li, Mn, Ge and S are aliovalently replaced as described above. The crystal structure of Li₄MnGe₂S₇ is shown in FIG. 5. The compound of formula (X) and the composites of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII) and (IX) comprise a crystal lattice having a monoclinic structure. A calculated X-ray diffraction analysis obtained based on Cu-Kα radiation with wavelength of 1.54184 Å for Li₂In₂SiS₆ is shown in FIG. 6 and a Table showing the major peak positions (2θ) is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows shows an Arrhenius plot of Li⁺ diffusivity (D) in Li₄MnGe₂S₇.

The resulting doped materials according to formulae (VI) to (IX) retain the crystal structure of the base compound (X) and have activation energies and conductivity related to the base compound of formula (X). Based on the measurement methods described above the lithium ion (Lit) conductivity of the composite materials of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII) and (IX) may be from 0.01 to 10 mS/cm at 300K, preferably from 0.1 to 10.0 mS/cm at 300K and most preferably from 1.0 to 10 mS/cm at 300K. The activation energy of the materials of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII) and (IX) may be from 0.24 eV to 0.38 eV, preferably from 0.24 eV to 0.35 eV. The materials of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII) and (IX) also comprise a crystal lattice having a monoclinic structure.

Synthesis of the composite materials of the embodiments described above may be achieved by solid state reaction between stoichiometric amounts of selected precursor materials. Exemplary methods of solid state synthesis are described for example in each of the following papers: i) Monatshefte für Chemie, 100, 295-303, 1969; ii) Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 128, 1997, 241; iii) Zeitschrift für Naturforschung B,50,1995, 1061; iv) Journal of Solid State Chemistry 130, 1997, 90; v) Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 645, 2015, S174; and vi) Z. Naturforsch. 51b, 199652 5. Exemplary methods of synthesis of lithium sulfide composites are provided in Kanno et al. (U.S. 2017/0229732), Lee et al. (U.S. 2016/0268627) and Lee et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 9,231,275). Adaptation of these methods to prepare the composite compounds according to the embodiments disclosed herein is well within the capability of one of ordinary skill in the art.

In further embodiments, the present application includes solid state lithium ion batteries containing the solid-state electrolytes described above. Solid-state batteries of these embodiments including metal-metal solid-state batteries may have higher charge/discharge rate capability and higher power density than classical batteries and may have the potential to provide high power and energy density.

Thus, in further embodiments, solid-state batteries comprising: an anode; a cathode; and a solid state lithium ion electrolyte according to the embodiments described above, located between the anode and the cathode are provided.

The anode may be any anode structure conventionally employed in a lithium ion battery or lithium metal battery. Generally such materials are capable of insertion and extraction of Li⁺ ions. Example anode active materials may include graphite, hard carbon, lithium titanate (LTO), a tin/cobalt alloy and silicon/carbon composites. In one aspect the anode may comprise a current collector and a coating of a lithium ion active material on the current collector. Standard current collector materials include but are not limited to aluminum, copper, nickel, stainless steel, carbon, carbon paper and carbon cloth. In an aspect advantageously arranged with the solid-state lithium ion conductive materials described in the first and second embodiments, the anode may be lithium metal or a lithium metal alloy, optionally coated on a current collector. In one aspect, the anode may be a sheet of lithium metal serving both as active material and current collector.

The cathode structure may be any conventionally employed in lithium ion batteries, including but not limited to composite lithium metal oxides such as, for example, lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide. Other active cathode materials may also include elemental sulfur and metal sulfide composites. The cathode may also include a current collector such as copper, aluminum and stainless steel.

In one aspect, the active cathode material may be a transition metal, preferably, silver or copper. A cathode based on such transition metal may not include a current collector.

In a further set of embodiments, electrodes containing the solid electrolyte materials of formulae (I)-(X) are also disclosed. Thus in the preparation of the electrode the active material as described above may be physically mixed with the solid electrolyte material before application to the current collector or the solid electrolyte material may be applied as a coating layer on the applied active material. In either embodiment the presence of the lithium ion super conductor on or within the electrode structure may enhance performance of the electrode and especially when applied as a coating layer, may serve to protect a conventional solid state electrolyte.

Thus, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cathode comprising a current collector and a layer of cathode active material applied to the current collector wherein at least one of the following components is present: i) the cathode active material applied to the current collector is a physical mixture containing at least one of the solid electrolyte materials of formulae (I)-(X) as described above; and ii) the layer of cathode active material applied to the current collector is coated with a layer comprising at least one of the solid electrolyte materials of formulae (I)-(X). Cathodes having both elements i) and ii) are also included in the present disclosure.

In related embodiments the present disclosure includes an anode comprising a current collector and a layer of anode active material applied to the current collector wherein at least one of the following components is present: i) the anode active material applied to the current collector is a physical mixture containing at least one of the solid electrolyte materials of formulae (I)-(X) as described above; and ii) the layer of anode active material applied to the current collector is coated with a layer comprising at least one of the solid electrolyte materials of formulae (I)-(X).

Batteries containing a cathode as described in the above embodiment, an anode described in the above embodiment or containing both an anode and cathode according to the above embodiments are also embodiments of the present disclosure.

The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments and aspects of the disclosure, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. In this regard, certain embodiments within the disclosure may not show every benefit of the disclosure, considered broadly. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A solid-state lithium ion electrolyte, comprising: at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V): Li_(y)(M1)_(x1)InSiS₆  (I) wherein x1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M1 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)In_(2-x2)(M2)_(x2)SiS₆  (II) wherein x2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2; y is a value such that the formula (II) is charge neutral; and M2 is at least one element different from In selected from elements of groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17; Li_(y) In₂Si_(1-x3)(M3)_(x3) S₆  (III) wherein x3 is from greater than 0 to less than 1; y is a value such that the formula (III) is charge neutral, and M3 is at least one element different from Si selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)In₂SiS_(6-x4)(X)_(x4)  (IV) wherein x4 is from greater than 0 to less than 6, y is a value such that the formula (IV) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₂In₂SiS₆  (V) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 2. The solid state lithium ion electrolyte according to claim 1, wherein a lithium ion (Li⁺) conductivity of the solid state lithium ion electrolyte is from 0.01 to 10 mS/cm at 300K.
 3. The solid state lithium ion electrolyte according to claim 1, wherein an activation energy of the material is from 0.27 to 0.37 eV.
 4. The solid state lithium ion electrolyte according to claim 1 wherein an X-ray Diffraction Analysis obtained based on Cu-Kα radiation with wavelength of 1.54184 Å of the material comprises the following major peaks: Peak Position Relative Intensity 14.838 100.0 15.619 10.75 17.926 15.359 17.994 35.928 23.5 24.121 25.741 16.463 26.575 26.533 26.643 37.352 30.013 28.165 31.236 21.595 31.537 25.513 32.359 13.816 32.403 24.448 34.76 15.66 35.136 17.504 39.48 10.189 40.69 12.65 41.851 10.322 44.786 11.36 47.637 12.686.


5. A solid state lithium battery, comprising: an anode; a cathode; and a solid state lithium ion electrolyte located between the anode and the cathode; wherein the solid state lithium ion electrolyte comprises at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V): Li_(y)(M1)_(x1)InSiS₆  (I) wherein x1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M1 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)In_(2-x2)(M2)_(x2)SiS₆  (II) wherein x2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2; y is a value such that the formula (II) is charge neutral, and M2 is at least one element different from In selected from elements of groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17; Li_(y)In₂Si_(1-x3)(M3)_(x3)S₆  (III) wherein x3 is from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that the formula (III) is charge neutral, and M3 is at least one element different from Si selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)In₂SiS_(6-x4)(X)_(x4)  (IV) wherein x4 is from greater than 0 to less than 6, y is a value such that the formula (IV) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₂In₂SiS₆  (V) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 6. The solid state lithium ion battery according to claim 5, wherein the battery is a lithium metal battery or a lithium ion battery.
 7. An electrode for a solid state lithium battery, comprising: a current collector; and an electrode active layer on the current collector; wherein the electrode active layer comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V): Li_(y)(M1)_(x1)InSiS₆  (I) wherein x1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M1 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)In_(2-x2)(M2)_(x2)SiS₆  (II) wherein x2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2; y is a value such that the formula (II) is charge neutral, and M2 is at least one element different from In selected from elements of groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17; Li_(y)In₂Si_(1-x3)(M3)_(x3)S₆(III) wherein x3 is from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that the formula (III) is charge neutral, and M3 is at least one element different from Si selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)In₂SiS_(6-x4)(X)_(x4)  (IV) wherein x4 is from greater than 0 to less than 6, y is a value such that the formula (IV) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₂In₂SiS₆  (V) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 8. An electrode for a solid state lithium battery, comprising: a current collector; an electrode active layer on the current collector; and a coating layer on the electrode active layer; wherein the coating layer on the electrode active layer comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V): Li_(y)(M1)_(x1)InSiS₆  (I) wherein x1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M1 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(x)In_(2-x2)(M2)_(x2)SiS₆  (II) wherein x2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that the formula is charge neutral, and M2 is at least one element different from In selected from elements of groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17; Li_(y)In₂Si_(1-x3)(M3)_(x3)S₆  (III) wherein x3 is from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that the formula (III) is charge neutral, and M3 is at least one element different from Si selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)In₂SiS_(6-x4)(X)_(x4)  (IV) wherein x4 is from greater than 0 to less than 6, y is a value such that the formula (IV) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₂In₂SiS₆  (V) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 9. A solid state lithium battery comprising the electrode of claim 7, wherein the solid state lithium battery is a lithium ion battery or a lithium metal battery.
 10. A solid state lithium battery comprising the electrode of claim 8, wherein the solid state lithium battery is a lithium ion battery or a lithium metal battery.
 11. A solid-state lithium ion electrolyte, comprising: at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X): Li_(y)(M4)_(z1)MnGe₂S₇  (VI) wherein z1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 4, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M4 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)Mn_(1-z2)(M5)_(z2)Ge₂S₇  (VII) wherein z2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M5 is at least one element different from Mn selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)MnGe_(2-z3)(M6)_(z3)S₇  (VIII) wherein z3 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M6 is at least one element different from Ge selected from elements of groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17; Li_(y)MnGe₂S_(7-z4)(X)_(z4)  (IX) wherein z4 is from greater than 0 to less than 7, y is a value such that the formula (IX) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₄MnGe₂S₇  (X) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 12. The solid state lithium ion electrolyte according to claim 11, wherein a lithium ion (Li⁺) conductivity of the solid state lithium ion electrolyte is from 0.01 to 10 mS/cm at 300K.
 13. The solid state lithium ion electrolyte according to claim 11, wherein an activation energy of the material is from 0.24 to 0.38 eV.
 14. The solid state lithium ion electrolyte according to claim 11 wherein an X-ray Diffraction Analysis obtained based on Cu-Kα radiation with wavelength of 1.54184 Å of the material comprises the following major peaks: Peak Position Relative Intensity 16.494 100.0 16.958 11.807 17.586 56.016 20.678 17.405 21.185 34.809 23.03 13.109 26.384 78.009 26.572 42.309 28.795 72.26 29.758 10.389 29.807 16.133 30.292 19.414 30.442 26.573 31.736 12.026 38.944 15.716 39.581 14.339 39.949 12.201 46.451 29.165 46.797 55.974 51.246 23.982 51.963 22.761 52.463 24.483 54.798 11.51 55.493 19.897 56.264 15.766.


15. A solid state lithium battery, comprising: an anode; a cathode; and a solid state lithium ion electrolyte located between the anode and the cathode; wherein the solid state lithium ion electrolyte comprises at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X): Li_(y)(M4)_(z1)MnGe₂S₇  (VI) wherein z1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 4, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M4 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)Mn_(1-z2)(M5)_(z2)Ge₂S₇  (VII) wherein z2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M5 is at least one element different from Mn selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)MnGe_(2-z3)(M6)_(z3)S₇  (VIII) wherein z3 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M6 is at least one element different from Ge selected from elements of groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17; Li_(y)MnGe₂S_(7-z4)(X)_(z4)  (IX) wherein z4 is from greater than 0 to less than 7, y is a value such that the formula (IX) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₄MnGe₂S₇  (X) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 16. The solid state lithium ion battery according to claim 15, wherein the battery is a lithium metal battery or a lithium ion battery.
 17. An electrode for a solid state lithium battery, comprising: a current collector; and an electrode active layer on the current collector; wherein the electrode active layer comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X): Li_(y)(M4)_(z1)MnGe₂S₇  (VI) wherein z1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 4, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M4 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)Mn_(1-x2)(M5)_(z2) Ge₂S₇  (VII) wherein z2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M5 is at least one element different from Mn selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)MnGe_(2-z3)(M6)_(z3)S₇  (VIII) wherein z3 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M6 is at least one element different from Ge selected from elements of groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17; Li_(y)MnGe₂S_(7-z4)(X)_(z4)  (IX) wherein z4 is from greater than 0 to less than 7, y is a value such that the formula (IX) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₄MnGe₂S₇  (X) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 18. An electrode for a solid state lithium battery, comprising: a current collector; an electrode active layer on the current collector; and a coating layer on the electrode active layer; wherein the coating layer on the electrode active layer comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (IX) and (X): Li_(y)(M4)_(z1)MnGe₂S₇  (VI) wherein z1 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 4, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M4 is at least one element different from Li selected from elements of groups 1, 2, 13 and a transition metal; Li_(y)Mn_(1-z2)(M5)_(z2) Ge₂S₇  (VII) wherein z2 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 1, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M5 is at least one element different from Mn selected from elements of groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16; Li_(y)MnGe_(2-z3)(M6)_(z3) S₇  (VIII) wherein z3 is a number from greater than 0 to less than 2, y is a value such that charge neutrality of the formula is obtained, and M6 is at least one element different from Ge selected from elements of groups 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17; Li_(y)MnGe₂S_(7-z4)(X)_(z4)  (IX) wherein z4 is from greater than 0 to less than 7, y is a value such that the formula (IX) is charge neutral and X is an element different from S selected from elements of groups 16 and 17; and Li₄MnGe₂S₇  (X) wherein the at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of compounds of formulae (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X) comprises a monoclinic structure.
 19. A solid state lithium battery comprising the electrode of claim 17, wherein the solid state lithium battery is a lithium ion battery or a lithium metal battery.
 20. A solid state lithium battery comprising the electrode of claim 18, wherein the solid state lithium battery is a lithium ion battery or a lithium metal battery. 